Afghans probe claims of civilian deaths by NATO

An Afghan official says a government delegation is talking with tribal elders from a remote district in northeastern Afghanistan to investigate their claims that NATO forces killed about 60 civilians during a four-day operation.

The coalition is contesting the charge, saying video showed troops targeting and killing dozens of insurgents.

Nawrdin Safi, a provincial council member from Kunar, said Tuesday the delegation was sent to the provincial capital by Afghan President Hamid Karzai. On Sunday, the elders claimed that NATO forces killed 64 civilians in air and ground strikes. He said that the delegation is considering a trip to Kunar's Ghazi Abad district to determine how many people were actually killed.